8 ways to go back to school, work with a bang

DENVER BUSINESS JOURNAL - It doesn't matter how old we get, or how many years it's been since we graduated, we all still adhere to the school calendar. The New Year doesn't start on the first of January; it starts on the first day of school.

Over the summer, everyone is on a physical or mental vacation … or both. They're not called the lazy days of summer for nothing. That's the time we head to the beach, read endless novels by the pool, travel to visit with friends and family, and try to do the least amount of work possible.

This is true whether you're currently employed or looking for a new job. However, all that changes once the kids break out the new backpacks, sharpen those No. 2 pencils, and get organized for an exciting new year at school. Kids or no kids, everyone has a renewed sense of excitement at this time of year and is ready to re-engage their brains, buckle down, and get back to work.

Just like the kids have a new school supply list and curriculum to kick off the school year, so should professional adults. Here are eight tips for going back to work with a bang.

1. Update your résumé— Not only is reflecting back on your recent accomplishments an important mental exercise, it's critical to your professional success. An updated résumé that reads like a "success story" helps job seekers get a new job, and helps employed professionals promote themselves within their organizations. Don't let the sluggish days of summer cause undue amnesia when it comes to celebrating your successes.